Chapter Text
Jannik had just returned from a long walk in the mountains when he received the news that a letter had arrived for him. Rubbing his hands, his nose red from the cold, he saw the letter waiting for him on his usual armchair that faced the window. He took his seat, facing his beloved mountains and his own name in green letters on the envelope.
- I heard, brother, that you received a letter. - Mark suddenly appeared behind his armchair with a cup of tea, and Jan noticed a mischievous tone in his voice.
- Yes, from Lord Draper. - answered Jannik, pretending to ignore the tone of the commentary as he ran his eyes over that familiar handwriting. It was always a bit offensive how his older brother never seemed to believe that, despite his reserved and introspective nature, he had friends to exchange letters with. Jack Draper, specifically, was a dear and affectionate friend to him from the time Jan was sent to study abroad. - He's invinting me to spend a season in England, at his family's property in S****. Oh, did you bring this tea to me? Thank you.
- No, but you can have it. - Mark handed him the cup, playful. - I think it would do you good to go; a different air and conversations with new people can be very invigorating. Did you listen? Conversations with people, Jannik, not with these mountain goats.
- Goats can be a very pleasant companionship if you give them a chance. - Jannik smiled, but Mark returned the look without finding it so funny. - Oh, don't talk like that, Mark, you make it sound like I haven't seen the sun in months, which is not true!
- It is not? - Mark raised his eyebrows, crossing his arms in front of his chest, his usual pose to give Jannik a sermon. - You have been more... reclusive than usual, mama and papa have noticed too. Besides, allow me to remind you that you are at the ideal age to... How can I say it?
Jannik took a long sip of tea without showing any reaction. He generally trusted his brother's rationality without questioning, and actually agreed about his current unreasonable melancholy; however, he knew what Mark was trying to say. Even if his parents weren't explicit about it, he understood some of their glances and was able to read between the lines of unpretentious comments. Jannik was at the perfect age to get married.
- To look for a more intimate and long lasting companionship, let's say. - concluded Mark finally.
- An intimate, long lasting and a profitable companionship, you mean.
- We just want you to find happiness, brother.
- Maybe my happiness is in long walks in solitude. - It was annoying how Mark seemed to find the explanation and meaning for everything since his engagement; every little flower became more colorful and delicate, every boring book was worth reading. Jannik never had the patience for this silly intensity. He knew desire as much as he knew heartbreak, and none of it was enough to make him sigh for days. The older brother shrugged his shoulders with a defeated smile:
- I still think you should accept your friend's invitation.
The idea of accepting it actually pleased Jannik. Draper had promised lot of fun activities in his letter: ball nights, hunting, riding and walks in the gardens of the property, excursions nearby, afternoons playing cards and chess. Jan could certainly skip the balls, but the rest seemed just delightful. He was indeed too much at home.
Jannik responded to the letter that same night. From then on, everything was arranged for his departure to England during the spring.
Jannik arrived in S**** in a mild afternoon, after a journey that seemed endless. Lord Draper welcomed him at the door of the property, hugging him tightly without even waiting for his friend's name to be announced. Draper was not a man of extravagant manners; usually discreet, sometimes he even seemed too serious for those who didn't know him so well. However, next to Mr. Sinner, the grandeur of his tall and strong figure disappeared, as he became only playful smiles.
- Jannik! I thought nothing would make you come down from those mountains where you were hidden again... I almost couldn't believe when you wrote to me!
- I could never refuse your gardens or a good chess game - answered Jannik, smiling as well. It was good to see Jack in person after so long.
- I'm sure of that - laughed Lord Draper, picking up his friend's suitcases himself. - You must be tired. Come, everything is already prepared for you.
Jack guided him up the stairs, and Jannik couldn't help but notice, relieved, that apparently nothing had changed between them, as if they had met the day before. Maybe only their appearences had changed a little, since they were both men now - and what a man Draper became, Jannik thought while following him. He didn't remember Jack being that handsome, but... No, probably his tired mind was just thinking nonsense.
- Dinner will be served at eight, but you must rest as much as you need, don't worry about it. - said Draper when they arrived at the bedroom, leaving the suitcases on the floor. - Welcome to England, my friend! - And with a heartful smile, patting his shoulder, he left Jannik alone with a big, comfortable bed and with the peaceful view for the gardens. It was only then that Jan felt exhaustion taking over his muscles. There was nothing he wished more than getting himself clean with a bath and stretch his body on fresh, clean sheets.
He couldn't wake up in time for dinner. In fact, he only woke up the next morning, feeling a little embarrassed for having slept so much, but thankfully this situation seemed to only amuse Jack. They had breakfast together, and Lord Draper was quite excited:
- I've been thinking, - said Jack after they shared some news to each other (which, honestly, there wasn't many) - we should celebrate your arrival with a ball!
- A ball? - repeated Jannik calmly, suppressing the urge to grimace. This was too much information for his first morning in England.
- Yes, what do you think about it? - The poor man didn't know how to answer. He didn't remember that Jack liked dancing that much in their old times; was he that serious about ball nights in his letter? - Now, Jan, you didn't come out of the mountains to hide here, did you?
Well, let's be honest about our Mr. Sinner: it's not like these parties were unbearable, and since the journey was so long, he had time to ponder about meeting new social circles, and he concluded he was open to it. Great. But a ball already?
- Of course not - was his short answer followed by a kind smile. He didn't want to sound ungrateful to his friend; not in his house, in his homeland, after such a caring reception.
- Then I'll send the invitations! You deserve a ball in your name, Jannik. - Jan was almost asking why, but he decided to stay silent. - Besides, there are a lot of new and interesting people here this season.
New and interesting people. Jannik tried to suppress a sigh, chewing his toast with some nervousness. Too much information right in the morning indeed.
- It sounds... exciting.
- You will see that it is. There must be something different in the English air this season, everyone is coming here. I heard the Russians are in a quite expressive group...
Jannik just smiled kindly, listening to Jack talking excitedly about the variety of guests they could have for the ball.
It was almost possible for him to see Mark laughing at his miserable situation right after reading his first English letter.